'March to progress will continue'

Dubai: UAE nationals and expatriates yesterday praised the appointments of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Crown Prince and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Deputy Ruler of the emirate, saying the journey to progress will continue.

Ra'ed Al Rahma, an employee at Emirates Airlines, said "This is the best news I have heard in 2008. Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Maktoum are reflections of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"They will continue the journey of success ... started by their father. We as Emiratis will support our leaders in every way we can."

Ali Esmail, a Senior Financial Broker, said "We are proud of our country and our leaders. Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid has chosen the right people in the right positions.

"Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Maktoum will further resume the historical journey which started since the days of their grandfather Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
"Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Maktoum have been exposed to leadership since their childhood and there is no doubt that they will live up to the expectations," said Esmail.

Mohammad Abdullah Mardood, Executive Manager at Commercial Bank of Dubai, said "I congratulate this appointment and we all know that Shaikh Mohammad always chooses the right people in the right positions.

"His decision to appoint Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Maktoum shows his vision and confidence in the youth who are the base of society."